Output volumes among manufacturing SMEs saw slower growth in the three months to October, while fears that labour and materials shortages could impact future production hit an all-time high.
The CBI’s latest SME Trends Survey – completed by 249 companies – shows that growth slowed over the past three months, following July’s record rise in output. However, growth remains solid in comparison to the long-run average, and is also expected to pick up again in the coming quarter.
Total new orders growth also remained firm despite easing on last quarter’s record-high rate, reflecting an easing in both domestic and export orders growth. SME manufacturers expect total new orders growth to be maintained at a similar pace next quarter.
The three months to October saw further strong growth in firms’ headcounts, despite the rate slowing slightly from July’s record high – with expectations for headcount growth to accelerate again in the coming quarter.
However, almost two-thirds of SME manufacturers reported concerns that supply of materials/components could impact output in the next three months – the highest share on record (since 1988).
Concerns over the availability of skilled labour (46%) and other labour (25%) were also higher than at any other time in the survey data’s 33-year history.
Firms reported that growth in average unit costs, domestic prices, and export prices in the three months to October sped up to their quickest on record, and growth in all three is expected to accelerate further next quarter.
Elsewhere, business sentiment was broadly flat after having grown rapidly in the past two quarters. Investment intentions for the year ahead softened somewhat on the previous quarter, but generally remained strong.
Alpesh Paleja, CBI Lead Economist, said: “The optimism of summer has given way to an uncertain autumn for SMEs in the manufacturing sector, as firms struggle with persistent supply challenges and acute cost and price pressures.
“It has been encouraging to see Government recognise the issues facing businesses and begin to take action to address supply chain issues and skills shortages. Creation of the new supply chain taskforce is a welcome step, and crucially utilises expertise in understanding and addressing these challenges.
“Business and Government working together is the best way to restore momentum to the UK recovery, and move towards building the high-wage, high-skill, high-investment, high-productivity economy that we all want to see.”
Small businesses are keen to reduce carbon emissions, become more sustainable and achieve net zero status, but will require support and smart policies to help them along the way, according to a new FSB report.
The study, Accelerating Progress: Empowering small businesses on the journey to net zero, has been launched to coincide with COP26, as well as FSB’s Small Business Net Zero Conference, and pulls together findings from a 1,200-strong small business survey.
A clear majority (56%) believe that the planet is facing a climate crisis – but only a third (36%) have a formal plan in place to combat climate change within their business.
Many have, however, taken meaningful steps towards becoming more sustainable, with two thirds (67%) addressing energy usage, and nearly a fifth (18%) investing in microgeneration.
Amongst those who have not yet taken action to reduce energy usage, a significant proportion cite uncertainty around return on investment (24%) and a lack of sufficient capital to invest in assets such as heat pumps and solar panels (22%).
Where waste is concerned, two thirds (64%) of small firms have increased recycling and half (50%) have taken steps to eliminate waste wherever possible.
With regards to the move to zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs), close to half (46%) of those surveyed cite the extra expense of ZEVs as a barrier to change, and a third (35%) say poor provision of charging points is holding them back – one in six (16%) cite the lack of an established second-hand market for ZEVs.
Over half (54%) of small businesses say that grants or low-interest loans would be a strong incentive to become more energy-efficient, while three in ten (28%) say a discount on business rates would encourage them to do so.
In light of the findings, FSB is urging the Government to:
Launch a Help to Green initiative, modelled on Help to Grow, encompassing £5,000 vouchers that businesses could spend on environmental products and services. Vouchers could be used to fund an audit of a firm’s carbon footprint coupled with advice on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or enable firms to replace equipment and materials to become more energy-efficient.
Introduce a scrappage scheme through which diesel commercial vehicles could be recycled in exchange for grants that could be put towards cleaner hybrids and ZEVs – providing businesses with £2,000 for each qualifying disposal.
Work with Ofgem to establish a taskforce of suppliers, small business landlords and business groups to agree how to cut energy use in rented premises. The taskforce could learn from examples where landlords and tenants have cooperated to green their premises, and consider further interventions to allow small businesses to take ownership of their own energy use.
Lower the capital requirements banks must adhere to when lending to businesses for green improvements. Current capital requirements act as a brake on banks releasing funds in the form of loans to small businesses looking to invest in green technologies and improvements.
Set out target-based infrastructure strategies to deliver necessary ZEV charging infrastructure by 2030. As things stand, the number of ZEVs being purchased is outstripping the number of charging and rapid charging points on motorways and highways across the UK.
FSB development manager, Natalie Gasson-McKinley, said: “Adopting sustainable practices on the journey to net zero is everyone’s duty. Small businesses are keen to play their part, but often don’t have the resources, deep pockets and dedicated specialists enjoyed by their larger counterparts, so can find identifying and taking the necessary steps a challenge.
“However we know from our survey that East Midlands small businesses are more likely to say they have taken steps towards net zero emissions, in comparison to small businesses in other areas of the UK. Small businesses within the East Midlands are now asking for more support from Local Enterprise Partnerships to help them do even more.
“With world leaders converging on Glasgow for COP, we need much more than a talking shop to ensure that more businesses in the region have the confidence to take steps towards net zero. This moment must be a catalyst, for governments to remove the barriers that are holding small businesses back. If we are to successfully transition to net zero, it’ll be through grassroots action, enabled by smart and supportive policies.
“Whilst the Chancellor rightly embraced some of our proposed changes in this area at the Budget, it was disappointing to see that the Government’s recent net zero strategy contained only four specific mentions of small business.
“We now need to see the changes announced last week brought in as swiftly as possible, so that small firms can install solar panels and heat pumps without fear of higher business rates bills.
“With inflation surging, cost is proving a significant barrier to the green investment we need. Small businesses require certainty and long-term support – they need to know for sure that their sustainable investments will be worth it in the long run.
“Equally, we have to avoid scenarios where landlords are barriers to progress – too often we hear from members who say they are ambitious when it comes to net zero, but the owner of their premises is less so.
“The challenge we face calls for practical action plans that can be implemented immediately, and we hope to see such plans emerge from this week’s conference.
“There’s no shortage of enthusiasm among small firms to reduce their impact on the environment, and the Government should take note – our report sets out a range of comprehensive recommendations which, if taken forward, will equip our 5.6 million small business owners with the tools they need to build a more sustainable future.”
Andrew Madge, Managing Director of Alfreton-based timber windows and doors manufacturer, Gowercroft Joinery, has been appointed Vice President and Honorary Treasurer of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF).
As the foremost trade association for the woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry in the UK, the BWF provides a positive voice for the sector, influencing government policy and regulations and championing standards.
The appointment of Andrew comes three years after he joined the Board as an executive member, where he has been instrumental in raising the profile of the woodworking sector as a whole and highlighting how it can support the construction industry through the Covid pandemic in a safe and sustainable way.
In his new role as Vice President, he will be working with the BWF Executive Board and President on the three areas identified in the President’s Campaign: supporting growth and future success of our sector; attracting the next generation of talent into our sector; and developing the talent within the profession, with the underlying thread of ensuring the BWF will continue to deliver value for its members as they meet the challenges of a post Brexit economy.
“I believe that the BWF has an increasingly important part to play in these uncertain economic times of skills and materials shortages and I very much look forward to helping shape the strategic direction of the woodworking industry, whilst building on the excellent work of those who have gone before me on the Board and its Executive team,” said Andrew.
Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive Officer for the BWF, said: “Andrew is always full of energy and passion for promoting the work of the trade association and has been a key driver in the direction of the association in the last couple of years. We are delighted to have Andrew as our Vice President, as this appointment adds further strength to the BWF Executive Board. We look forward to his active contribution in the future.”
A derelict pub in Whitwick is set to be transformed into much-needed affordable rented homes after being bought.
North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) has bought The Oak on Talbot Street as part of work to increase the number of affordable homes across the district.
Time was called on the pub in 2013 when it became vacant, and since then it has sat empty. Outline planning permission to demolish the pub and build eight homes was granted by the council in May this year.
More detailed plans for the layout and design of the small development will follow in the new year.
Subject to a full planning application, work to build the homes should start in summer 2022.
Once complete, the homes will be available to rent via the Choice Based Lettings scheme; there are currently 1,200 people waiting for an affordable home in the district.
Transformation of the site will add to the council’s housing stock of 4,100 homes.
In addition to this scheme, an extra nine properties are also being bought from developer Peveril Homes as part of Section 106 commitments at The Coppice development in Ravenstone.
While an additional four homes, including a detached bungalow, are also being purchased from Chevin Homes as part of a section 106 agreement for homes on Worthington Drive, Newbold Coleorton.
Councillor Roger Bayliss, Portfolio Holder for Housing at NWLDC, said: “We are delighted to have bought The Oak’s site to provide much-needed affordable rented council homes for local people in housing need.
“The site has been a local eyesore for many years now and we look forward to improving its appearance in the short term, for the benefit of the local community before developing it next year.
“We’re committed to expanding the availability of affordable rented homes across the district and as well as building our own homes, are also working with developers through section 106 purchases on larger developments.”
Burton-based commercial property agents, Rushton Hickman Ltd, has let 2,145 sq ft (199.3 sq m) of prime ground floor office space to Acorn Training as part of their business expansion program.
Milton House, on Worthington Way, in Burton town centre, is prominently located and was formerly occupied by The Burton Mail for a number of years.
National training provider, Acorn Training, confirms this latest office launch adds to the company’s footprint across the Midlands, comprising offices in Coalville, Chesterfield, Hinckley, Daventry, Loughborough and headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent.
The office will serve as a hub of support for the community where the Acorn Training team will deliver their employability, skills, training and youth service work. Around 20 employees will be based from the office.
Gareth Saldanha-Fallows, Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our footprint to Burton, bringing our strong core values and inclusive ethos to provide opportunity to individuals from all backgrounds.
“The expansion is an important step towards strengthening the delivery of our services across the Midlands and growing our success to help more people secure sustainable employment. The new office will serve as a welcoming and safe space to give the community access to information, advice and guidance for life and work.
“As the country recovers from the effects of the pandemic, Acorn Training will play a vital part in boosting the local economy in Burton and the surrounding area and continue to have a positive impact on the lives of the individuals and communities that we serve.”
Simon Walker (Rushton Hickman agent) said: “I carried out viewings with Gareth on several potential locations in the town centre. Given Acorn’s brief, it was evident the property on Worthington way (Milton House), was ideally placed to tick most, if not all the boxes on the search criteria requirements, particularly as it had operated as a Learn Direct Training Centre several years ago. This is an excellent opportunity and ideal location for Acorn Training to open their new Burton Office and we wish them every success in their new venture.”
Graham Bancroft, director at Rushton Hickman, added: “This is a fantastic letting and shows that despite the previous work from home rhetoric, there is now a real push from businesses to get people back into the office. The services offered by Acorn Training will also help train both young people and adults and we wish them all the best in their new surroundings.”
East Midlands-based venture, Connected Data, has secured private equity funding thanks to an investment round led by EMBA Investors Ltd (previously East Midlands Business Angels).
EMBA Investors Ltd is a network of UK and international business angels that has been investing in well managed innovative businesses and teams with strong growth potential for nearly 25 years.
Their decision to invest in Connected Data was driven by the company’s innovative and disruptive approach to debt management and its vision to transform the way debt is managed, enabling fairer, more positive outcomes for those in debt.
Tom Yardley, Managing Director of EMBA Investors Ltd, said: “Never has there been a more important time for organisations to focus on how they better address the growing levels of debt and ensure the fair treatment of those in debt. A more effective approach was sorely needed and the Connected Data model is answering that need.
“We were impressed by the experienced management team and their unique model, which promises a faster, easier, more connected approach than the market has seen before. Not only are they passionate that debt can be prevented and reduced across any organisation, they are already delivering results for major clients.
“The fact that they have also secured the support and partnership of ten of the UK’s leading data providers, demonstrates the strength and potential of their approach. We expect Connected Data’s approach will have a positive societal impact.”
Connected Data is currently working with customers in the water, energy, financial services and debt management sectors. This investment will enable Connected Data to grow its team and expand its portfolio into more sectors. It will also enable Connected Data to accelerate the further enhancement of its proprietary debt management data fabric.
Kirk Fletcher, CEO of Connected Data, says: “We are delighted and excited to have secured investment with EMBA Investors Ltd. They’ve been very effective to engage with and we believe they are the right investors for our business.
“They share our belief that debt prevention needs transforming and merits more focus across all organisations. This investment will be key to helping us accelerate our impact. We look forward to working closely with EMBA Investors Ltd and transforming the way debt is managed.”
Plans to redevelop a cluster of heritage buildings into a home for creative businesses in Leicester city centre have received a boost from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
The Government announced on Wednesday (27 Oct) that Leicester City Council’s bid for funding had been successful, with £8.6m allocated to the Pilot House regeneration project – that’s 75% of the total budget required for the scheme.
The news means that plans to refurbish the council-owned site on King Street into a hub for start-up and growing businesses can now go ahead, subject to planning permission.
Under the council’s proposals, Pilot House would be sensitively transformed to provide a central courtyard and atrium for shared use, a business zone for technical and digital businesses, and a co-working lounge.
Existing industrial features, including parquet flooring and exposed brick and beams, would be retained and a new entrance into the courtyard would be created from King Street.
The five separate but interconnected buildings on site would be transformed into 60,000 sq ft of high quality accommodation that would support around 250 new jobs.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This project will transform a group of architecturally significant heritage buildings into a landmark destination that will become a source of pride for Leicester.
“Not only will it contribute to the wider regeneration of the Belvoir Street, Market Street and New Walk areas, and complement exciting new developments like the Gresham Building, but it will also create and support hundreds of high quality new jobs.
“I want to congratulate council officers, whose hard work and successful bids have helped attract millions of pounds for Leicester from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. This new investment will give a huge boost to the city’s growth and economic recovery.”
The Pilot House scheme would support training and skills development, including higher education programmes, meetings and events. It would be a permanent base for businesses of varying sizes, from graduate start-ups to established firms, and of varying types – including craft makers and design practices.
It would also provide the skilled roles that would encourage graduates from Leicester’s two universities to remain in the city when their studies are over.
Simon Bradbury, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities at De Montfort University, said: “De Montfort University is committed to working in partnership with the city to bring forward projects that provide opportunities for training and employment.
“We are delighted that Pilot House has been successful and will offer opportunities particularly for small and medium size businesses in the creative industries, including for our graduates. Working with the city we hope to bring partners in the Fashion and Heritage sector to Pilot House to support specialist training in these industries.”
Subject to planning permission, work could start on site in early 2023, with the building open for business from spring 2024.
The city council has committed £2.8m towards the £11.4m Pilot House project.
In total, Leicester City Council was successful in bidding for over £45.6million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The money will fund three major projects that will support the city’s economic recovery and growth, and help create hundreds of new jobs.
Along with the £8.6m for Pilot House, the city council has been awarded £17.6m to transform the entrance to Leicester’s historic railway station, and £19.4m for three projects in and around Pioneer Park and Exploration Drive, complementing the University of Leicester’s Space Park development.
The Government’s Levelling Up Fund is designed to finance long-term, significant capital projects that create jobs, encourage new investment and enable businesses to grow.
A digitised version of a ‘passport’ that helps young people prepare for the world of employment will launch this month thanks to a £30,000 donation by The Nottingham.
The ThinkForward charity’s Ready for Work (R4W) Passport app allows post-16s to evidence work-readiness in areas such as preparing a CV, interview practice, opening a bank account, volunteering experience and demonstrating email and telephone skills.Young people who create an online R4W account can track their progress in those areas, as well as having access to the helpful careers support and resources available within The Nottingham’s Career Academy.The R4W Passport will be further developed next year to include more external careers content and resources, the functionality to upload a CV to the platform and a passport completion certificate that can be used in job applications and interviews.Lukas, 16, took part in a focus group that tested the app and provided feedback, and was impressed with what he experienced and the viability of the digital R4W Passport as a vehicle to employment.Hesaid: “The passport is easy to navigate and helps you have something to prepare you for higher education or your career, and to track your progress. It will help me prepare for the world of work because having an updated, good CV is really important too.”Some of the young people involved in ThinkForward projects in Nottingham – all of whom will have access to the R4W passport soon – joined Progression Coaches and The Nottingham’s Head of People and Development, Anne Leivers, at a VIP event to celebrate the passport.Held at the National Ice Centre, the home of the Nottingham Panthers ice hockey team, the group enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch the Panthers players train and took part in a careers-based Q&A session with Director of Hockey Gui Doucet and club support staff.Anne explained: “It was a really inspiring event and extremely valuable for the young people as it gave them a unique opportunity to ask questions and receive valuable, real-world, careers advice against the exciting and inspiring world of sport. “We also discussed the digital Ready for Work passport that our donation has helped bring to life and it was fantastic to hear such enthusiasm for it.“It’s been really well received and it’s great to hear that the young people who have helped to pilot it as well as those who will access it soon are excited about how it will aid their employment aims and ambitions, whatever career paths they ultimately decide to take.”ThinkForward’s Development Manager Aimee Pickering added: “We’re really excited about the app, which will empower young people to take ownership of their Ready for Work passports – enabling them to see and track their progress.“It will support young people as they prepare for the world of work and strengthen our digital capabilities as an organisation. Our partnership with The Nottingham is inspiring young people’s career goals. Events like the day at Panthers encourage young people to see how their skills can be applied to a range of work settings, such as through business roles within sport.”Later this month the R4W Passport will be rolled out to 325 participants across the country involved in ThinkForward’s FutureMe and MoveForward programmes, ahead of being available to more young people in 2022 and beyond. As well as facilitating the R4W Passport, The Nottingham’s £30,000 donation means 300 young people aged 13-18 taking part in ThinkForward’s five-year coaching programme in six secondary schools in Nottingham* can undertake R4W programme activities, including business mentoring and digital confidence sessions.
Leading B2B technology solutions provider Jigsaw24 has appointed the former Head of Product & Marketing Finance at Pentland Brands, Dave Bull, as its Head of Finance.
Jigsaw24 are specialists in IT services and solutions to customers across sectors including enterprise, education and media and broadcast. In this new role Dave will be responsible for helping the company improve their business and financial planning through their next phase of growth.
A University of Birmingham graduate, who later qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant, Dave worked in several different industries including soft drinks, aerospace and oil and gas, predominantly in finance roles focussing on business partnering, commercial finance, analysis and planning.
Most recently at Pentland, Dave worked as part of the Speedo brand leadership team as their Senior Finance Business Partner, with overall management of the brand’s financial performance and planning.
Later, as Head of Product & Marketing Finance, Dave worked across Pentland’s portfolio of sports, lifestyle and outdoor brands, which includes well known names such as Berghaus & Ellesse. In this role he had financial responsibility for the brand’s strategic planning, marketing investment and seasonal product range performance.
On his move to Jigsaw24 Dave said: “I’m delighted to be joining the company at such an exciting time. I know that finance will play a huge role in supporting Jigsaw24’s continued success and I’m looking forward to building upon the great finance structure already in place.
“Beyond the day-to-day management of the finance function, my key objective is to provide finance decision-support within the business to ensure we deliver long term profitable growth, with an emphasis on increased finance business partnering, strategic planning and performance analysis.”
Rob Hicking, CFO at Jigsaw24, said: “We have a fantastic platform for growth at Jigsaw24 and this new role is part of the next phase of development for our business.
“With a host of great opportunities and some exciting plans, it’s critical that we can support financial and commercial planning for the business and facilitate profitable, sustainable growth. Dave has a fantastic track record of helping businesses in this way and I’m delighted to welcome him to the Jigsaw24 team.”
The environment is an ever-increasing consideration for farmers, with payments favouring practices to benefit wildlife, water and carbon sequestration. And visitors to the Midlands Machinery Show on 9-10 November can find out how to make steps towards net zero as well as the opportunities available.
NFU East Midlands is holding its annual environment conference entitled, ‘Carbon – opportunity, not problem’ on the first day of the Midlands Machinery Show. Covering a range of technical topics from carbon audits to practical sequestration options, the seminar programme is sure to provide something for everyone, says show manager Elizabeth Halsall. “It’s a great opportunity to hear from farmers taking active steps towards reducing their carbon footprint and quiz speakers on how to make net zero work on their own farm.”
NFU vice president Tom Bradshaw says: “The conference is taking place in the week of COP 26; we’re picking up the net zero challenge and exploring how we, as an industry, can lead the way in helping to get towards net zero.
“We need to improve our productivity to reduce our environmental footprint – and farmers need to be world leaders in terms of carbon footprint. Feeding the population is always going to have an impact, we’re never going to produce food without having any emissions whatsoever, but we need to minimise that impact.”
Carbon calculators can be the first step on the net zero road, and will be the focus of a seminar by NFU livestock advisor, Harriet Henrick. “Everyone’s net zero journey has to start somewhere, but for most that can seem pretty daunting in itself,” she says.
“I hope to do a bit of myth busting and talk people through what different calculators have to offer and which one might be right for you – depending on your available information and what you want out of it.” The main calculators being discussed will be the Cool Farm Tool, Farm Carbon Calculator and AgreCalc; these are all free and available to anyone, although she will touch on some paid for options.
“I believe there are options out there to meet most farmers’ needs, however, these calculators are constantly being updated to account for innovations and new technology in the industry. At the end of the day the volume of CO2 equivalent emitted per kg of product isn’t the most important part; highlighting areas where changes can be made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on farm is.”
Two farmers will also offer their perspectives on how the process towards net zero actually works on their livestock and arable farms, respectively.
Carbon offsetting could provide new income opportunities and is the subject of the final seminar by Bruno Gardner, managing director of NFU Enzero. “Net zero represents a fantastic opportunity for agriculture, with farmers and growers brilliantly placed to both contribute to and benefit from the transition,” says Mr Gardner.
“Investing in renewable energy makes increasingly good business sense and is a great way to reduce carbon emissions. Demand for carbon offsets looks set to grow, and agriculture could be well placed to meet this demand,” he adds “I’ll share our latest thinking on the potential opportunities for farmers, as well as the key risks and uncertainties they need to be aware of.”
The Access Group, a provider of business management software to mid-market organisations, has acquired Isys, a Derby and Horsham-based organisation offering management software solutions designed to support a range of industries throughout waste management, aggregate and material sales to dairy and food services.
Isys was founded in 1979 with the aim of providing administrative and back-office solutions across the sector, recently adding web and mobile solutions to its portfolio, to support its growing customer base.
Brendan Flattery, Managing Director of Access ERP, said: “Access ERP already has a strong footprint in many emerging, high growth sectors in the UK such as construction, manufacturing and facilities management, offering industry-leading solutions supported with core business management software, serving over 9,000 Access customers across the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand.
“We’re keen to add new and innovative software solutions such as Isys to the Access portfolio, which are tailor-made to support the growth of key industry sectors. With its focus on waste management in the UK, Isys is a perfect fit for our growing ERP solution set. We are really excited to be welcoming the Isys team into the Access Group.”
Richard Bowers, Managing Director, and Chris Kings, sales director, of Isys will be staying on at Access as members of the ERP leadership team.
Richard said: “Joining Access gives Isys a new level of expertise in the provision of integrated software solutions, an acceleration of our product development and allows our customers the opportunity to explore an even wider range of business solutions from one provider.
“My journey with Isys started over 27 years ago. I’m really excited to be joining Brendan and the team as part of the Access ERP business.”
Chris said: “Becoming part of The Access Group gives Isys many exciting opportunities. Our clients will see increased investment and development that will see our products flourish.”
An Ashby-headquartered property consultancy has been awarded a position on a £500m government framework.
Fisher German has been named as a supplier on the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Estate Management Services (EMS) framework.
The four-year framework gives public sector organisations access to a simplified means of sourcing end-to-end property management services, from consultancy to disposal.
Fisher German, which has 26 offices across the UK, has been appointed to three lots, and will deliver services in:
· Agency and Lease Management
· Surveying and Strategic Advice
· Valuation and Compulsory Purchase Orders
It further builds on the firm’s work with the public sector after Fisher German was awarded a place on the previous CCS framework running from 2017 to 2021.
Fisher German partner, Guy Hemus, who is leading on the framework within the firm, said: “Our appointment to the latest Estate Management Services framework demonstrates our wide-ranging expertise across the property sector.
“It also reflects the high level of service delivered during the previous framework, and we are proud to once again be able to offer this to the public sector. We have an extremely strong service offering which covers a wide geographical spread and is backed by extensive local knowledge.
“Being part of the previous framework was highly beneficial to the business, and we now look forward to continuing to work with our existing public sector clients while also building on this and developing relationships with other public sector organisations.”
The Institute of Directors (IoD) has revealed the names of the business leaders shortlisted in its Director of the Year Awards 2021 for the Midlands.
The finalists represent the full spectrum and diversity of business and industry, from young entrepreneurs to experienced public and private sector leaders.
The winners will be revealed on 4 November at awards ceremonies at the Space Centre, Leicester and Grand Hotel, Birmingham.
Gary Headland, chair of IoD East Midlands, said: “It is great to be back, running our awards across the whole of the Midlands. Given the challenges of the pandemic, innovation and entrepreneurship shines through in all of our finalists.”
The shortlist is:
East MidlandsDerbyshire
Rachel Hayward, Derby Swap Shop
Matt Carson, EMCRC
Alex Roberts, Forest Holidays
Leicestershire
John Fennell, Rotherwood Healthcare
Emma Hallam, Alex’s Wish
Ian McKellar, Quantum Meruit Credit Management Ltd T/A Overdue Invoices
Bushra Ali, Bushra Ali Solicitors
Mark Robinson and Andy Rudkin, Creative 62
Anita Baldwin and Anna Geary, Get Savvy Club
Julie Jordan-Spence, Jordan Motors Ltd
Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan, Zinthiya Trust
Maria Peggs, Vispera
Karen Cureton, Cureton Consulting
Natalie Allen, NS Property Solvers
Mike Osborne, Focal Business Group
Lincolnshire
Tom Marsden, Lincoln College Group
Kerrin Wilson, Lincolnshire Police
Toby Ealden, Zest Theatre
Naomi Watkins-Ligudzinska, NW Counselling Hub CIC
Matthew McKeown, The EBP
Joe Verde, PSP IT Design and Development
Sarah Fairburn, Greater Lincolnshire LEP
Northamptonshire
Ashish Kumar, Web Alliance
Barry Tong, Stephensons Online
Nottinghamshire
Philip Brooks-Stephenson, Backlit
Stephen Goddard and Philip Brooks-Stephenson, KuKu Connect
Stephen Goddard, KuKu Connect
Lee Marshall, Viridis Building Services
Justin Donne, Autistic Nottingham
Sue Liburd, Abstract
Louisa Hackford-Gentle, Autistic Nottingham
Sam Hallett, Enable Life/Enable Future
Stacey Green, Freedom Foundation CIC
Matthew Chesney, Backlit
Daniel James, Hickman James
Matthew Bacon, TCC Casemix
West Midlands
Jane Sommerville, Bower & Jones
Adam Kiani, Personal Trainer, trading as PT Academy
Lee Wilcox, Electric House
Shameem Kazmi, Birmingham County Football Association (supported by Britvic PLC)
Kamran Saleem, MotorServe UK
Dan Thombs, Bystronicuk
Danny Wilson, Thermaright Hire Solutions
Marisa Firkins, Safety Forward
Andrew Thompson, Groundwork West Midlands
Dale Parmenter, DPRG
A new centre has opened in Loundsley Green providing start-up businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire with work spaces, meeting rooms, expert coaching and advice.
‘The Green’ is run by Loundsley Green Community Trust (LGCT) who have been operating the adjacent community centre (previously a church) for over 10 years.
One of the free services being delivered during that time has been an Enterprise Coaching programme, helping people to get back into work through self-employment.
Over the years that has helped over 60 people to start new businesses. Around 3 years ago the Trust looked at the Old Vicarage which was unoccupied for most of the time, and saw in it the potential to grow its support for people looking to get back into work.
The team behind the new business support centre overcame several hurdles before its opening, however the space now includes a large training room, a smaller meeting room, and five individual workspaces for use by new businesses.
The downstairs meeting and training spaces have been used to provide employability training to young people, health and safety training for people looking to work in construction, first aid training and a variety of meetings of local organisations.
An important feature of The Green is the continued support that will be provided for people looking to start new businesses, and additional funding has been received from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust to deliver a programme of training and coaching through 2021-22.
The Business Gateway for Leicester and Leicestershire has appointed Rachel York to the role of Manager, taking over from Jon Egley who previously held the role. Rachel, who joined the Business Gateway in early October, is originally from Leicester and still lives in the county.
Prior to her appointment, Rachel worked as an Executive Officer at De Montfort University, with responsibility for the strategic oversight of both the Research and Enterprise directorates. Whilst working at De Montfort she studied for an MBA which supported her interest in strategy and policy development within Higher Education.
Rachel also lived and worked in Alberta, Canada for several years, working at the University of Lethbridge as a Governance Officer where she supported the Board of Governors and the Secretariat office.
Commenting on her appointment, Rachel said: “I am excited to have joined the Business Gateway because it is such a positive organisation and offers so much. It really is a one stop shop for a Leicestershire business facing any kind of challenge or opportunity and our Business Advisers are always ready to help. Right now, we are providing support to the fashion sector, the advanced manufacturing sector and Start-up businesses that were stalled by COVID. We’re also supporting around 100 businesses to go green as well as promoting innovation as a way for businesses to thrive and grow. I look forward to supporting many more businesses in the coming months.”
Sonia Baigent, Chair of the Business Gateway Board, added: “I am very pleased to welcome Rachel to the Business Gateway. The connections she brings from her role at DMU and her knowledge of local networks will help the Business Gateway build strong connections which will further benefit local businesses in getting the support they need.”
Venner Nutrition, the UK’s first ‘Food Box with a Conscience’ has ramped up its UK operations, signing Kerry’s Fresh as its online distribution partner, to offer its plant-based, recipe boxes to families across the UK. Profits from each box support vulnerable families with Venner boxes and nutritional education.
Kerry’s Fresh is a fifth-generation family-run business that has been selling high quality fruit & vegetables in Nottingham since 1885. Priding itself on sourcing locally where possible, Kerry’s will deliver Venner Nutrition boxes across the UK, ensuring the very best in quality and customer service. Boxes will be available on the Kerry’s Fresh website from 13th September 2021.
Each of Venner’s plant-based recipe boxes feeds a family of four for five days. Packed full of fresh fruit and vegetables, pulses and grains, spices and herbs, plus some store-cupboard essentials, the box includes breakfast, snacks and recipes for evening meals which aim to help customers make the most out of the ingredients, be inventive with mealtimes and minimise food waste.
The ingredients of the boxes, which are priced at £35 (just £1.75 per person a day) are changed monthly, with Venner’s team of nutritional experts designing the accompanying recipes around the seasons. The launch months, ‘All The Good Stuff’ box features recipes such as sweet potato and kale curry, pesto pasta with a twist, and easy chickpea soup. Future boxes include ‘The One With Soul’, full of home comfort recipes and ‘Flavours of the World’ which will have an international twist.
Having worked with charities and local authorities in the UK and Finland since 2018 to support and educate vulnerable families on the benefits of nutrition, this is the first time Venner will sell boxes direct to UK customers. As a social enterprise 51% of profit from box sales will go towards supporting more families-in-need so it can amplify its mission to end UK food poverty.
Customers and businesses can also gift boxes to families, with the option of doing so a part of the checkout process.
Speaking about the partnership, Venner’s Head of the UK, Laura Holland, said: “In order to launch Venner Nutrition boxes in the UK , it was key we found a partner we could trust to provide the very best ingredients and Kerry’s Fresh is just that. We can’t wait to get our boxes on the doorstep of families across the country, which in turn will enable us to help even more families in need at such a crucial time for food poverty.”
Dean Kerry, Managing Director of Kerry’s Fresh, added: “It’s a pleasure to be working with Venner and supporting them in making a difference to UK food poverty. Whether that’s providing families with healthy and delicious ingredients straight to their door, or fulfilling the orders of businesses who want to make a difference to the health of their teams or their local community by bulk buying boxes, we’re looking forward to being part of the Venner journey.”
Commenting on the first day of COP26, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The world’s focus will be on events in Glasgow over the next two weeks and the outcomes could well shape the future landscape for businesses in our region.
“We have already seen some key commitments at the G20 summit in Rome, including an end to international coal finance and a pathway laid out for transitioning towards a green economic recovery post-Covid, and we expect to see further key announcements made that will affect the private sector in the short, medium and long term.
“It’s clear that sustainability will be a hugely important consideration for investors as we move forward from the pandemic and we believe the East Midlands has the raw ingredients to play a central role in the future low-carbon economy given our manufacturing heritage, innovative businesses and academic base.
“While climate change is a significant threat to our way of life, companies should see the sustainability agenda as an opportunity to take a lead in creating the next generation of products and services – not to mention making significant cost and energy savings – which is something we are highlighting via our Sustainable East Midlands campaign, launched a year ago.
“Research carried out by East Midlands Chamber and the University of Derby shows the proportion of businesses in our region that derived turnover from low-carbon environmental goods and services has grown from 16% in 2015 to 37% in 2021. Meanwhile, 36% of companies have wholly or partly integrated clean growth into their business strategies, up from 29% last year.
“This signals we’re heading in the right direction as firms increasingly understand the need to embrace sustainability – not only from a commercial perspective as it can open up new avenues for revenue, and help to attract and retain staff, but the regulatory landscape will soon make it essential to do so.
“However, there is a huge disparity between large and small firms – while 62% of companies with more than 250 staff have begun integrating clean growth into business plans, only 27% of those with fewer than 10 employees had done so.
“Also, 42% of firms still don’t feel well informed about support for clean growth, which indicates there is a huge amount of work to do in raising awareness.
“We hope COP26 will go some way to addressing this. After the struggles of the past 18 months, businesses desperately require some certainty and signposting of where they ought to invest.
“It’s therefore of vital importance that our global leaders can come to an agreement of where our priorities lie in the fight against climate change because it will ultimately be in the private sector where the innovation and transformation takes place.”
As the agricultural sector tackles new subsidy regimes and the carbon-natural agenda, farming is going to be very different in the future. Understanding your own challenges, opportunities and options in the future will be key. Those who start on this journey early will be best placed to adapt and thrive.
Farmers and landowners in the East Midlands wanting advice on planning for this future are invited to attend a 2021 rural seminar from ActiveBP and Virgin Money. This free seminar will be held at The Cross Keys at Sturton by Stow on Wednesday 24th November at 6.00pm followed by a complimentary pie and pint.
The seminar will feature the ABP team discussing the importance of farm business reviews, the move towards environmental schemes, and an update on the Sustainable Farming Incentive. This will be followed by Brian Richardson, Head of Agriculture for Virgin Money, who will discuss the bank’s view of the future and how Virgin Money can support the strategies farmers should adopt.
Brian says: “Michael Gove said the new, post-Brexit agricultural policy will mean a revolution in the way we produce food and manage the countryside. Big changes are coming, and payments received this winter for BPS will be markedly smaller than last year. There are new schemes afoot, but the cost of compliance will likely be higher.
“Times are a-changing for farming, with the climate agenda coming to the fore. I will be talking about what this means for you, and how the bank and your advisors will help you succeed. Looking deep into your business may be the only way to thrive and survive as this revolution takes place. You have five years to learn about your farming business’s performance and to adapt.”
Alex Olivant, one such Farm Business Advisor from ActiveBP, is also clear that there is a need for practical guidance in uncertain times. “Our teams are committed to supporting farmers through the agricultural transition, and we are actively working with clients to plan strategically for the future.”
The seminar evening which begins at 6.00pm will include opportunities for questions and discussion, as well as supper to conclude. It is timed to finish at 8.00pm.
The ActiveBP team, along with the Virgin Money team, will be attending the Sturton by Stow seminar, to answer queries and to offer guidance on planning for the future.
Industrial developer Chancerygate has acquired a 6.35-acre site in Colwick to speculatively build 137,852 sq ft of industrial and warehousing space and create hundreds of jobs.
The site, which was formerly a major fuel distribution centre for Total Petroleum but has been unused since 2019, is located off Colwick Loop Road in Colwick Industrial Estate. It is approximately five miles east of the city centre.
Chancerygate acquired the site from commercial property development and investment company, City Estates.
The developer plans to redevelop the site to deliver a speculative scheme of 15 freehold and leasehold units ranging from 5,920 sq ft to 23,864 sq ft. The scheme has a projected gross development value of around £20m.
Neighbouring occupiers to the proposed development include Jewson, Sainsbury’s, Biffa, Nottingham Steel Supplies and Tile Tec Fireplaces.
Commenting on the acquisition, Chancerygate development director and head of its Birmingham office, Mark Garrity, said: “We’re very pleased to have secured this development opportunity in a prime industrial area of Nottingham.
“Colwick is an up-and-coming area of the city benefitting from extensive redevelopment and regeneration. The delivery of this site has the potential to create hundreds of jobs in the local area.
“We already have interest from a variety of potential occupiers and we’re looking forward to submitting plans for the development to Gedling Borough Council towards the end of the year.”
Founded in 1995, Chancerygate is the UK’s largest multi-unit industrial developer and asset manager and the only one operating nationwide. It currently has more than three million sq ft of industrial space under construction or ready for development across 23 sites ranging from Livingston to Bournemouth.
In addition to Birmingham, Chancerygate has offices in London, Warrington, Bristol and Milton Keynes.
Chancerygate was advised by Gerald Eve on the site acquisition whilst FHP advised City Estates. FHP and Gerald Eve will be the retained agents on the development.
Popular Derbyshire farm shop Croots is celebrating after its lemon drizzle cake was named as the best sweet bake in the Great British Food Awards 2021.
Made on site by the bakery team at Croots Farm Shop near Duffield, the lemon drizzle cake is a big favourite with customers.
Six years ago, Croots took the same top slot in the sweet bakes category of the Great British Food Awards with its Bakewell tart, while the Croots Derbyshire pasty was highly commended in the awards in 2016 – flying the flag for Derbyshire produce.
This latest award comes after Croots won a gold star award for its luxury mince pies in the prestigious Great Taste Awards 2021 and a silver award in the British Pie Awards 2021 for its lamb and mint pie.
Kay Croot, who runs the farm shop, said: “We are thrilled that, for a second time, one of our sweet bakes has been selected as ‘best in class’ for a national award. Both our Croots lemon drizzle cake and our Croots Bakewell tart are made by our team of talented bakers here at Croots and they are very popular with customers.
“We’re delighted to hear that the judge of this award agrees with our customers – that the Croots lemon drizzle cake is worthy of a top accolade.”
The Great British Food Awards were launched in 2014 to celebrate the country’s finest artisanal produce, as well as the hard-working people behind the scenes. This year, the awards were bigger and better than ever, with lots of new categories and amazing celebrity judges.
The sweet bakes category of the Great British Food Awards was judged by Flora Shedden, the youngest ever finalist of the Great British Bake Off, award-winning cookbook writer and owner of artisan bakery ARAN in Dunkeld, Scotland.
Croots Farm Shop receives a name-check for its award win in the current edition of Great British Food magazine.
Croots, which is based at Farnah House Farm, Wirksworth Road, Duffield, opened in 2008 and has won scores of awards for its products. It specialises in supplying top quality local food and drink, offering products from more than 40 producers within a 50-mile radius, alongside the wide range of products it makes in-house, including sweet and savoury bakery items.
In addition, Croots has a well-stocked butchery, as well as a deli and cheese counter.
The shop’s current opening hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays, while the café opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm and from 10am to 3.30pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
